Artificial Grass Helps Make Council Parks More Inclusive, Sustainable, and Appealing for Visitors
Why Accessibility in Parks Matters
Accessibility is a commitment to ensuring everyone can comfortably and safely enjoy public spaces. A truly inclusive park considers the needs of people who use wheelchairs, parents with strollers, individuals with limited mobility, and more. When parks are designed with accessibility in mind, they become welcoming, functional spaces that support active, engaged communities.
Unfortunately, natural grass comes with accessibility issues. Uneven surfaces, muddy patches, and areas that quickly degrade under foot traffic can make it difficult for people with mobility issues to navigate parks safely. This is where artificial turf can make a real difference.
Benefits of Artificial Turf for Accessibility
Artificial turf offers a smooth, stable surface that’s ideal for accessible paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more. Here’s why it works so well:
- Level and Even Surface: Artificial turf eliminates the bumpy, uneven patches that natural grass often develops over time. This even surface allows wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers to move smoothly across the ground without getting stuck or tipping.
- Non-Slip Surface: Wet natural grass can become slippery, creating a potential hazard for visitors with limited balance or coordination. Artificial grass remains slip-resistant even when it’s damp, providing a safer experience for park-goers.
- Reduced Mud and Mess: Artificial turf doesn’t develop mud patches or wet spots after rain, which means less mess and easier mobility across park areas. This helps keep shoes, wheels, and park benches cleaner, which is especially helpful in areas with high traffic.
- Low Maintenance: Maintaining accessibility often means frequent upkeep, but natural grass can be labour-intensive. Artificial turf requires little to no maintenance, making it an easier, cost-effective choice for councils looking to create accessible spaces on a budget.
Key Areas in Parks that Benefit from Artificial Turf
Integrating artificial grass into different areas of the park allows councils to create a cohesive, accessible environment. Here are a few ideal spots for artificial grass installation in parks:
1. Accessible Pathways
Pathways are essential for navigation and accessibility in parks. Traditional paths made of gravel or dirt can become difficult to walk or roll on, especially after rain. Artificial turf, when properly installed, provides a smooth and continuous pathway that’s ideal for people with disabilities, parents with prams, and seniors who may struggle with balance. The visual appeal of green pathways also adds to the park’s aesthetic, creating a harmonious flow from one area to the next.
2. Picnic and Seating Areas
Creating accessible seating areas that are also comfortable and inviting is often a challenge with natural grass, which can become patchy and muddy with heavy use. Artificial grass offers a perfect alternative, allowing councils to establish durable, attractive seating and picnic areas that are always accessible. Artificial turf remains green and lush regardless of weather, providing a cleaner and more enjoyable space for all visitors to relax and socialise.
3. Playgrounds and Child-Friendly Zones
Playgrounds are naturally high-traffic areas, where children run, jump, and play freely. Artificial turf in playgrounds creates a soft, cushioned surface that reduces the risk of injuries, adding another layer of safety for children. This turf can be installed over impact padding, creating an accessible playground surface that’s comfortable for parents, easy for prams to navigate, and welcoming for children of all abilities.
4. Dog Parks
For parks that include dedicated dog areas, artificial turf is an ideal solution. Dogs love to dig, and natural grass often struggles to withstand the wear and tear of energetic pets. Artificial grass holds up to dog traffic while providing a soft, even surface for pets and their owners. Additionally, synthetic grass doesn’t develop muddy patches, so it’s easier to keep clean and safe for all visitors. ‘Accidents’ are easily washed away.
5. Event and Recreation Spaces
Many council parks host events and recreational activities like yoga, fitness classes, and movie nights. Artificial turf in these areas provides a durable, accessible surface that won’t wear out from frequent use, ensuring that people of all abilities can participate in community events. Plus, artificial grass remains visually appealing, making it an attractive backdrop for gatherings and photos.
‘Fake Grass’ Highlights for Brisbane’s Climate
In Brisbane, creating a low-maintenance, resilient green space is particularly valuable given the subtropical climate. The combination of heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall can make it difficult for natural grass to stay healthy and accessible year-round. Artificial turf holds up well in Brisbane’s climate, providing a year-round green space that won’t suffer from sun damage or become waterlogged after storms. Additionally, many artificial grass products are designed to withstand heat, so they stay comfortable to the touch even on hot days.
Making Parks Eco-Friendly with Artificial Turf
For councils focused on eco-friendly initiatives, artificial turf can help conserve water, reduce emissions, and support sustainable practices. Here are a few eco-friendly advantages of artificial grass:
- Water Conservation: Artificial turf doesn’t require watering, which is a huge benefit in areas facing water restrictions or aiming to reduce water usage. Over time, this conservation effort can make a meaningful impact on the local environment.
- No Pesticides or Fertilisers Needed: Natural grass may require chemical treatments to stay healthy and green, but artificial turf eliminates the need for pesticides and fertilisers, reducing chemical runoff into waterways.
- Durability and Longevity: High-quality artificial grass can last over a decade with minimal maintenance, reducing the need for regular lawn replacement. Councils can save on resources and lower their environmental impact over the long term.
Talk to Turf Green in Brisbane
Artificial turf offers councils a flexible, practical solution for making parks accessible, inviting, and low-maintenance! It’s win-win for councils wanting to create beautiful, practical, and inclusive community spaces.
At Turf Green, we specialise in providing high-quality artificial turf solutions tailored to your unique needs, ensuring a durable, sustainable green space for all. If your council is interested in creating more inclusive parks, contact us today to discuss the best artificial turf options for your community.
